है
hai
The English word 'is' is translated into Hindi as है (hai).
है is a linking verb used to describe the identity or state of a third-person singular subject. Because Hindi follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, this verb typically appears at the end of the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
While है is the standard form for 'is', other forms are used depending on the subject. To express 'am', use हूँ. For the second person (as in 'you are' with the pronoun 'tum'), use हो. For plural subjects or to show respect to a singular subject, use हैं. If you need to express the past tense, use था for masculine singular, थी for feminine singular or थे for masculine plural or polite subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
hai
Did you know?
- In spoken Hindi, है is frequently dropped entirely in casual conversation, leaving the sentence without a verb.
- The evolution of है from the Sanskrit आक्षेति (ākṣeti) shows a semantic shift from 'to throw' or 'to dwell' toward the modern sense of 'to be'.
Examples in context
- जल ही जीवन है।Water is life.This example shows how to use है to define a concept.Tatoeba #5978200 by anushka, translation #3861611 by Hybrid
- कोई और नहीं है।There is nobody else.This example demonstrates the use of है to indicate existence.Tatoeba #10348261 by PrasantaHembram, translation #11370887 by Sorcien
- टॉम घर आ रहा है।Tom is coming home.This example shows है used in a continuous action sentence.Tatoeba #11370677 by Sorcien, translation #2273077 by CK
- 1961 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Neha are talking in a park about a friend.
- आदित्य Adityaवह कहाँ है?vah kahān hai?Where is he?
- नेहा Nehaवह पार्क में है।vah park mein hai.He is in the park.
- आदित्य Adityaक्या वह खुश है?kyā vah khush hai?Is he happy?
- नेहा Nehaहाँ, वह बहुत खुश है।hā̃, vah bahut khush hai.Yes, he is very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries है, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
